Energy

Energy keeps the lights on, our homes warm, our food cold, and our computers and factories running. Most of the energy we use to power these activities is from either electricity or natural gas. Energy produced through the combustion of fossil fuels causes pollution and climate change. In order to curb this trend, we must reduce energy use, improve energy efficiency and develop more renewable, reliable and cleaner energy sources. Find out how Berkeley is progressing to meet its Climate Action Plan goals for Energy.

Energy Efficiency and ConservationSaving energy is the first step. Energy efficiency and energy conservation are the cheapest, easiest and cleanest ways to reduce energy. Energy conservation refers to saving energy by changing behavior, such as turning off lights when they are not needed. Energy efficiency is achieved through technology, such as insulation upgrades, switching out old lightbulbs, or installing high efficiency EnergyStar appliances. The more efficient our buildings and our homes are, the less energy we use.

Solaris energy produced by sunshine, a renewable energy source. Renewable energy can be called clean energy or green power because it doesn't produce the same pollution as fossil fuels.